In modern society, the pace of work is getting faster and the pressure of life is increasing. As a result, many people choose to travel to relieve stress, setting themselves free amidst nature, connecting with the great outdoors, and listening to their inner needs. However, traditional tourist destinations are often overcrowded, traffic jams are common, and group tours are packed with tight schedules. By the end of the trip, not only is the stress not relieved, but your good mood is also gone.
Cruise tourism, which has gradually gained popularity in recent years, eliminates many of the drawbacks of land-based travel. There’s no need to rush from one attraction to another, no frustration from traffic congestion, and no annoying telemarketing calls... Just enjoy an immersive embrace with the blue sea and sky, savor the culinary temptations from different countries, appreciate a variety of spectacular performances, and experience a slower-paced, relaxing lifestyle...
Not long ago, Yu Fan experienced a few days of secluded sea travel on a Star Cruises ship. Here, he has compiled the top ten irresistible attractions of cruise travel to share with readers.
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【Delicious Culinary Delights】
On Star Cruises, whether you’re on the SuperStar Virgo or the SuperStar Aquarius, there are multiple free restaurants with different styles. You can choose traditional Chinese cuisine according to your preference, or try exotic flavors—whether it’s Southeast Asian curry, Japanese cuisine, Western dishes, or a wide array of barbecues, and hotpot tailored to your taste... No matter how picky your palate is, the cruise can fully satisfy it.
On the SuperStar Virgo, there are eight restaurants for guests to freely choose from: Samurai Japanese Restaurant, Mediterranean Buffet & Garden, Blue Lagoon Café, Palazzo Italian Restaurant, Taj Indian Buffet, Man Han Xuan Chinese Restaurant, Azure Wave Pavilion (International Cuisine), and Royal Palace Chinese Restaurant.
On the SuperStar Aquarius, there are also numerous dining options such as Fragrance Southeast Asian Restaurant, Navigator Buffet, Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Champagne Bar, Top Deck Osanna Grill, Blue Lagoon Café, Lakeside Bar, and Aquarius Lounge.
【Exciting Performances】
Although life on the ship may not have the majestic mountains or the bizarre wonders of land, the numerous performances will definitely keep you entertained. Stunning magic shows that leave you puzzled, brilliant acrobatic acts that leave you wanting more, grand song and dance performances that linger in your memory, and small-scale instrumental music that plays almost non-stop.
【Breathtaking Sea Views】
Once the ship sails into the open sea, the endless blue sea and sky are so beautiful it takes your breath away. The playful clouds that occasionally appear excite us even more. Standing by the railing, gently closing your eyes, breathing in the salty sea breeze of the Pacific, opening your arms to fully embrace the beauty of the ocean; or sitting by the window with a good book, a drink, flipping through magazines, gazing at the sea, checking your phone, or simply daydreaming; or taking photos with a few friends—even with an ordinary phone, you can capture stunning landscape shots.
【Endless Entertainment Facilities】
Of course, life on the ship isn’t just about admiring the sea, taking photos, and tasting food—it’s also the wide range of entertainment facilities that are captivating. On the SuperStar Virgo, there’s the Galaxy Nightclub, the Lido Theatre (performance hall), cinema, African Adventure Karaoke, Oasis Casino (electronic games), mahjong room, M’s Disco, Universe Gym, outdoor pool, heated whirlpool, jogging track, Starlight Game Centre, Oscar Beauty & Hair Salon, library (books & internet)...; on the SuperStar Aquarius, there’s the Sky High Karaoke, Cloud Nine Club, Admiral’s Club, Star Lounge, Seastar Club, outdoor swimming pool, golf driving range, jogging track, basketball court, hot tub, Kelly’s Photo Gallery, game centre, children’s care center, meeting rooms, activity center, gym, foot massage center, Oscar Hair & Beauty Salon...
On the cruise, you can swim, sing karaoke, watch movies, work out, play basketball, play mahjong, read books, dance, get a haircut, practice golf—it’s all-encompassing. Just looking at the long list above is enough to make you dizzy, not to mention trying them all. Pick a few of your favorites, and a whole day can fly by.
【A Slow-Paced, Relaxing Time】
Once you’re on the cruise and out in the open sea, your phone loses signal, and everything becomes quiet. There’s no need to scroll through the internet or worry about work. No noise to disturb your ears, no paperwork to burden your mind—you truly live according to your heart’s desires. Just order a cup of coffee, flip through a magazine, play a game, enjoy a meal, chat, tell stories, meet friends, act cute, daydream, take photos, write a diary...
Life is just that simple, that content, that leisurely—things you can’t experience on land, you can feel on the ship.
【The Perfect Opportunity for Romance】
If you think enjoying a slow life is only for middle-aged or elderly couples, you’re greatly mistaken. There are many handsome men and beautiful women of different skin tones, nationalities, and languages on the ship, newlywed couples on their honeymoon, young couples enjoying their vacation, and, of course, many single travelers.
If you bring a wedding dress, you can take high-end bridal photos on the ship;
If you bring your partner, you can recreate the romance of Jack and Rose;
If you’re single, the ship also gives you the perfect chance to find romance!
You might run into some fellow travelers from your hometown, or a handsome guy or pretty girl who asks you to take their photo. Romance—it’s there whether you play along or not...
【Enjoy Tax-Free Shopping】
On Star Cruises, it’s not just about eating, playing, and having fun. Shopaholics who usually max out their credit cards will feel like they’ve entered shopping heaven. The duty-free shop on the ship offers products cheaper than those at Hong Kong’s Harbour City, not to mention compared to the mainland. And if you ask Star Cruises’ staff to buy for you, there are even additional discounts. Can you imagine an iPhone 6 Plus with 128GB for just 5,100 RMB?
There are all kinds of affordable brand-name cosmetics, designer bags, glasses, watches—it’s truly a feast for the eyes. Most ladies can’t put them down, and even Yu Fan, who usually doesn’t care much for these things, ended up buying some to give to friends. It’s estimated that many people will max out their cards, buying, buying, buying non-stop...
Affordable and practical—why not buy? Looking at the empty shelves after disembarking, it’s hard to find a reason not to pick something up.
【Exciting Shore Excursions】
Although cruises are primarily about sea travel, they don’t stay on the water the whole time—there are also some fantastic shore excursions to enjoy. Take our Star Virgo cruise, for example, which stopped at Sanya in Hainan, known as the “Oriental Hawaii,” and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, famed as the “inland Ha Long.”
Compared to land-based tours, cruise-arranged shore excursions are fewer in number, but each destination is a breathtaking highlight. Sanya, China’s top coastal resort with the cleanest air, needs no introduction, and neither does Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts a reputation as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. As the ship sails through, towering karsts rise from the sea like bamboo shoots, forming a spectacular seascape—less delicate than traditional landscapes, but grander in scale.
【The Grand Captain’s Dinner】
The Captain’s Dinner on a cruise is a highly formal affair, so much so that it’s specifically highlighted on the pre-departure itinerary. It even includes a list of dress code reminders: no sleeveless or collarless shirts, no sandals or shorts. Many assume formal suits are required, but actually, long trousers with a collared shirt are perfectly acceptable.
Before dinner, the host will formally introduce the captain, who then introduces his management team—including the chief officer, hotel director, entertainment director, executive chef, and others. There’s a toast, accompanied by live music and dance performances. Finally comes the lavish Captain’s Dinner, featuring a limited but exquisite selection of four or five dishes, each crafted like a work of art. Staff may also offer wine pairings—perfect for elevating the meal—but be aware these beverages come at an additional cost.
【Affordable, High-Quality Travel Experience】
With such luxurious offerings, you might expect cruise travel to be expensive—but it’s not. A budget-friendly two-day, one-night open-sea trip costs just a few hundred yuan, roughly the price of a provincial tour, yet lets you experience the opulence of a Star Cruises floating palace. Even a three-night, four-day voyage to Hainan and Vietnam can be booked online for just one or two thousand yuan. It’s surprisingly accessible, offering a few days of immersive travel at an affordable price.
TIPS:
Boarding Procedures
Check-in typically begins 2.5–3 hours before departure and closes 1.5 hours prior, when boarding gates shut. Boarding starts 30 minutes after check-in begins. During the cruise, Star Cruises will safeguard passengers’ travel documents, collecting them before embarkation and returning them before arrival to facilitate group immigration clearance. Documents are returned on board before reaching port.
Disembarkation Procedures
The night before arrival, all cabins receive a disembarkation notice with simple instructions and information to help passengers prepare.
All departing passengers must check out 1–2 hours before arrival (depending on the arrival time and the next voyage’s turnaround schedule).
Onboard Activities – Star Navigator
Daily activities and details are listed in the “Star Navigator” program, including restaurant hours, shore excursion info, and general updates. The next day’s program is delivered to cabins each evening and is also available at the reception desk.
Credit Cards
The ship accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay. Traveler’s checks are also accepted, but personal checks are not.
Currency
All prices on SuperStar Virgo are in HKD. All prices on SuperStar Aquarius are in TWD. The reception desk offers 24-hour foreign currency exchange services.
Attire
Passengers should dress appropriately at all times. Shorts and sandals are not allowed in any restaurant. The Captain’s Dinner requires formal attire—men must avoid shorts and collarless tops. Fitness center users should wear proper sportswear and shoes. Appropriate footwear is required indoors at all times.
Room Facilities
All cabins are equipped with wall-mounted hairdryers, safes, shower gel, shampoo, towels, toothpaste, and toothbrushes. Slippers are not provided.
Drinking Water
Each passenger receives one free bottle of drinking water per day in the cabin. Tap water is also safe to drink.
Voltage
Cabins provide 220V European-style two-pin round sockets and Chinese-style two-pin flat plugs. For safety reasons, passengers are prohibited from bringing cooking appliances, water heaters, irons, or other heat-generating electrical devices on board. Please bring your own adapter.
Telephone and Internet Services
Passengers can connect to satellite long-distance calls worldwide via the ship’s reception desk. Calls are charged per minute from the time of dialing, with rates varying by country. Paid Wi-Fi services are available in public areas.
Food/Fruits
For hygiene and safety reasons, all passengers are not allowed to bring any food, durians, or other restricted items on board.
Medical Center
Passengers requiring this service should contact the onboard doctor on duty or the reception desk. Medical services are provided at a fee.
Smoking
Smoking is only permitted on the deck and in designated smoking areas. For safety reasons, smoking is not allowed in cabins.
Tips
Tipping is not required for onboard services or shore excursions.
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For more exciting content, follow Yu Fan on Weibo: @重庆渝帆, or my WeChat ID: duhm123